In his first podcast interview with ANI, India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh gave an honest appraisal of the country’s security situation in the wake of Operation Sindoor.
Singh stated unequivocally that trust with China remains low, compelling India to maintain a high level of military preparedness against potential misadventures, even as diplomatic dialogue continues.
Noting some indications of a thaw, he called the current engagement with Beijing “cautiously optimistic,” especially in light of recent agreements on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and withdrawal from friction sites created following the 2020 Galwan hostilities.
Singh underlined that India’s strategy has changed significantly since Operation Sindoor. In an indication of its escalating dominance ideology, the nation will now attack command centers and leadership targets rather than just foot soldiers or isolated camps. He affirmed that transcripts of the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) discussions are available for the public record and that Pakistan eventually sought time and asked for a ceasefire after first rejecting dialogue.
available for the public record and that Pakistan eventually sought time and asked for a ceasefire after first rejecting dialogue.
Speaking on Operation Sindoor, Singh emphasized the vital role that domestic military systems like the BrahMos cruise missile and Akash air defense system played in the war, referring to BrahMos as a “game changer.” He observed that India employed a combination of foreign and domestic systems, and that the military achieved all operational goals through excellent intelligence coordination and tri-service cooperation.
Singh stressed that there was no proof of direct Chinese military involvement in the fight, despite the fact that China gave Pakistan supplies, equipment, and potentially satellite imagery. However, he cautioned about the developing China-Turkey-Pakistan nexus and called for caution given Pakistan’s continued reliance on outside allies for military supplies.
Singh also spoke about the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Field Marshal Asim Munir, the head of Pakistan’s army, calling it “very strange” and an embarrassment for Pakistan because Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was not present. He emphasized that such a gathering demonstrates how Pakistan’s civil-military ties are structurally unbalanced, with the military having the majority of the power over foreign policy.
Regarding defense modernization, Singh described continuous changes to promote competition and speed up procurement, especially in significant projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). In order to prevent monopolies and guarantee quicker, more capable deliveries, he said, procurement times are being cut in half and the process is being made open to private sector involvement.
Singh restated that India’s top goal is still obtaining vital technologies through targeted foreign purchases, even if talks with the US (about the F-35A) and Russia (about the SU-57E) have taken place but there are no official negotiations.
Although there is a strong civilian drone manufacturing ecosystem in India, Singh noted that military-grade drone production is still in its infancy and requires quick growth. He demanded government assistance to increase the production of military drones in the country, including technological transfers and focused procurement to develop skilled producers.
Singh noted that although the defense budget’s allotments have increased, there has historically been a problem with unspent money. The argument for a greater budget share is strengthened by recent increases in absorptive capacity brought about by improvements in procurement efficiency. He affirmed that in order to meet the pressing needs that arose following Operation Sindoor, a sixth round of emergency procurement is currently in progress.
Singh’s comments demonstrate a strategic realignment of India’s defense posture, which includes accelerating the development of domestic capabilities, retaining deterrence and escalation dominance against Pakistan, continuing to maintain military vigilance with China despite continuous dialogue, and reforming procurement to guarantee preparedness in a rapidly changing security environment.
